URI Cooperative Extension

Community-Based Watershed Programs were established in 1987 to provide research-based education and training on watershed science and management, tailored to the unique cultural and environmental features of Rhode Island communities.

This is the State's largest scientist-led volunteer water quality monitoring program. 250+ trained volunteer citizen scientists conduct multi-year ecological assessments of RI water bodies, focusing on non-point source contaminants. The program is the source of more than 90% of the State's lake quality data. Watershed Watch promotes education and action to protect and improve the state's water resources.

NEMO provides training, development of local watershed assessment tools, and follow up technical support to municipal officials in managing impacts of changing land use on local water resources. Since 1993, an established partnership with the RI Office of Municipal Affairs integrates training on resource management skills with legal roles and responsibilities of board members and techniques for maintaining community character.

University of Rhode Island Home*A*SystContacts: Alyson McCann, (401) 874-5398, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Holly Burdett, (401) 874-5398, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Home*A*Syst is a pollution prevention program that trains citizens to identify environmental and health risks in and around the home and take actions to protect their health and environment. The program focuses on protecting drinking water sources, septic system operation and maintenance, controlling stormwater runoff from residential properties, protecting and restoring wetland buffers, and yard and garden care. The program offers a factsheet series that includes septic system operation and maintenance, landscaping for water quality protection, stormwater management, pet waste, and household hazardous waste management. An attractive, easy-read pollution prevention manual organized by topic is also supplied.

URI On-Site Wastewater Training CenterContacts: George Loomis, (401) 874-4558, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; David Dow, (401) 874-5950, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Training Center is a research, training, and demonstration program for conventional and alternative septic system technologies in the North East, and one of twelve regional demonstration and field training centers nationally. It provides training and technical assistance in siting, design, installation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater technologies. The Center serves regulatory agencies, designers, installers, municipal officials, and homeowners.